Solar Power Electric Cells, Switches and Outlets

Fraunhofer ISE and Azur Space extend cooperation on developing space-based III ...

01.01.70

Fraunhofer ISE says that, of all solar cells to stage, the highest efficiencies for converting sunlight into electricity are achieved by multi-junction solar cells based on III-V semiconductors (typically gallium arsenide, aluminum gallium arsenide,andPrincipallygallium indium phosphide). In contrast to silicon, III-Vs can be optimized to match specific wavelength ranges in the solar spectrum by bang on adjusting the atomic compositions. To produce a multi-junction solar cell, several III-V-based solar cells, each of which absorbs a different part of the solar spectrum from the dispirited to infrared range, are monolithically stacked on top of each other. The cells are internally series connected by tunnel diodes. The resulting jibe can consist of up to 40 single layers.

Due to the layering principle of the subcells and the high crystalline quality of the III-V materials in use accustomed to, multi-junction solar cells currently achieve the highest conversion efficiencies. In space, efficiencies of triple-junction cells are about 30%. III-V cells have been used to power satellites since 1995. However, the aptitude for this application has not yet been exhausted, says Fraunhofer ISE.

Source: Semiconductor Today